Best solvent for loosening lead in cyl and barrel

[dfariswheel]

Well, hoppe's and a Lewis lead remover is what I use, but wondered if anything worked better. How about cleaning cylinder face and around forcing cone?

For STAINLESS STEEL GUNS ONLY, use a "lead-away" cloth.
These stiff cloths wipe leading and carbon right off.
They're also great for cleaning carbon off gas pistons.

DO NOT use on a blued gun....they also wipe bluing right off.
Personally I'd never use one on nickel either.

For blued guns I'd use a mild bore solvent like Hoppe's #9 and a brass toothbrush to brush off any build up.
Attempting to remove the burned in rings around the chambers you'll do more damage then good.
When you fire a gun it shows signs of that. Attempting to remove the rings on stainless or blued cylinders is an exercise in futility.

 

[cgt4570]

I worked in a Nuclear Power Plant for half my life. Solvents and elements don't scare me. I've probably seen them all. Mercury dissolves lead. It can be found in old thermostats. Stay up wind and don't let it touch your skin.

 

[diyj98]

the old method was to plug bore + fill it with mercury - I've done it in the past + will use it again if I ever have a severe leading problem - all safety precautions need to be observed ! -

I used to use the same method years ago when I shot a lot of lead bullets. I shoot very little lead now days, but when I do I usually use a Lewis Lead Remover now.

 

[cowboy4evr]

I simply don't understand why use chemicals when a piece of 100% pure copper chore boy , wrapped around a worn out bore brush will remove the worst of lead in a barrel in a couple of minutes . It's non toxic , will not harm the barrel , is cheap , readily available , easy to use and very effective . Regards, Paul